Wild Women Unleashed
In this 8 week expressive arts therapy group for women, we will be utilizing movement, drama, painting, writing, and collage to explore the archetype of the Wild Woman as a doorway to personal power, intuitive knowing and creative energy. This ...
Hosted by Judy Noddin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94603
In this 8 week expressive arts therapy group for women, we will be utilizing movement, drama, painting, writing, and collage to explore the archetype of the Wild Woman as a doorway to personal power, intuitive knowing and creative energy. This ...
Happier Stepfamilies: for Stepparents & Partners
NEXT GROUP in 2020 - Check website for details * Almost 2/3 of marriages with stepchildren end in divorce. * 50% of children in the U.S. will experience divorce by age 18. Almost half are likely to suffer from depression. ...
Hosted by Edina C Adler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, Mediatr
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94588
NEXT GROUP in 2020 - Check website for details * Almost 2/3 of marriages with stepchildren end in divorce. * 50% of children in the U.S. will experience divorce by age 18. Almost half are likely to suffer from depression. ...
Chronic Illness Support Group (Oakland)
A group for anyone who experiences a chronic illness condition or chronic pain condition, to come together with others to be supported around these conditions
Hosted by Eric J Young
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
A group for anyone who experiences a chronic illness condition or chronic pain condition, to come together with others to be supported around these conditions
detoxing masculinity: group for men of color
This facilitated weekly group will utilize a combination of psychoeducation, group process/discussion and experiential activities (mindfulness, trauma-release, expressive arts,etc) to explore our diverse experience as men of color. Part of our work as self-identified men of color is to unlearn ...
Hosted by Sarwang Parikh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
This facilitated weekly group will utilize a combination of psychoeducation, group process/discussion and experiential activities (mindfulness, trauma-release, expressive arts,etc) to explore our diverse experience as men of color. Part of our work as self-identified men of color is to unlearn ...
Childhood Trauma Processing Group
Childhood trauma is defined as an event or events experienced by a child that is emotionally painful, frightening, or distressful, which can often lead to lasting mental and physical effects. Symptoms of childhood trauma in adults can include but are ...
Childhood trauma is defined as an event or events experienced by a child that is emotionally painful, frightening, or distressful, which can often lead to lasting mental and physical effects. Symptoms of childhood trauma in adults can include but are ...
Bereavement Support Groups
Being in the presence of others who are living through loss can be deeply comforting and supportive. Groups are educational and process orientated so that members can learn about the grief process while also finding a safe haven among fellow ...
Hosted by Angela Topcu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Fremont, CA 94536
Being in the presence of others who are living through loss can be deeply comforting and supportive. Groups are educational and process orientated so that members can learn about the grief process while also finding a safe haven among fellow ...
Exploring Aging and Illness
Hosted by Nancy Sarah Rothschild
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94702
Men's Group (2) - Thursdays (Berkeley)
For those who learn by doing, you will get immense value and satisfaction from an Interpersonal Psychotherapy Process Group. You will learn about your relationship patterns and change the ones that don't work, all while offering both support and challenge, ...
Hosted by Berne Fitzpatrick
Psychologist, PhD, CGP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94705
For those who learn by doing, you will get immense value and satisfaction from an Interpersonal Psychotherapy Process Group. You will learn about your relationship patterns and change the ones that don't work, all while offering both support and challenge, ...
A Different Parent
We tend to parent much like our parents did, even when we want to be different parents. Early learning makes it hard to break cycles. This group is for parents who wish they had been parented differently. A place to ...
We tend to parent much like our parents did, even when we want to be different parents. Early learning makes it hard to break cycles. This group is for parents who wish they had been parented differently. A place to ...
Nourish Your Mood: Meditation and Eating
Improve your mood with cutting-edge brain science and mindfulness. Have you tried everything for your anxiety and still aren't feeling good? The latest research shows that anxiety and depression are whole-body issues related to inflammation, gut health, and the microbiome. ...
Hosted by L Rebecca Connell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94704
Improve your mood with cutting-edge brain science and mindfulness. Have you tried everything for your anxiety and still aren't feeling good? The latest research shows that anxiety and depression are whole-body issues related to inflammation, gut health, and the microbiome. ...
Growing Older with Grace
Finding peace of mind in the mayhem of growing older can be challenging. As our bodies age, we can benefit from sharing our stories, and seeing our experiences reflected in our community. We are, none of us, alone in this ...
Hosted by Uma Kahn Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MBA
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94609
Finding peace of mind in the mayhem of growing older can be challenging. As our bodies age, we can benefit from sharing our stories, and seeing our experiences reflected in our community. We are, none of us, alone in this ...
Embodied Authenticity
Gain awareness of how attachment styles, internal working models and defensive patterns close off one's energy and experiences. Explore the effects of somatic holding patterns. The group will use strengths & capacities that group members already have to explore living ...
Hosted by Trisha Rowe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94602
Gain awareness of how attachment styles, internal working models and defensive patterns close off one's energy and experiences. Explore the effects of somatic holding patterns. The group will use strengths & capacities that group members already have to explore living ...
Mother2Mother Therapy Group
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with ...
Hosted by Victoria Rutsch
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Group meets in Pleasanton, CA 94588
Many moms have a hard time after having a baby. Sometimes, it can really help to talk openly with other moms who are going through the same thing. I offer both in-person and virtual supportive therapy groups for moms with ...
Consultation/Workshops/Diversity training
Provides psychological consultation, workshops, diversity and inclusion training for groups, businesses, academic, and religious institution on leadership, motivation, healthy lifestyle changes, spirituality, preventive health, and multicultural humility.
Hosted by Reinvisioning Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
Provides psychological consultation, workshops, diversity and inclusion training for groups, businesses, academic, and religious institution on leadership, motivation, healthy lifestyle changes, spirituality, preventive health, and multicultural humility.
Build Confidence, Find Companionship
Hello shy introvert! Do you have an Inner Critic that won’t quit? From morning to night, that critical voice in your head says things like, “what’s wrong with me?” & “I’m going to disappoint everyone!” Our dating & social anxiety ...
Hosted by Social Anxiety Support Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, RDT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94612
Hello shy introvert! Do you have an Inner Critic that won’t quit? From morning to night, that critical voice in your head says things like, “what’s wrong with me?” & “I’m going to disappoint everyone!” Our dating & social anxiety ...
Wednesday Group for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
This therapy group for male survivors of sexual abuse, began in Spring of 2015 and accepts new members as space opens up. I meet on-going with anyone interested in being considered for membership and willing to join a waitlist. Please ...
Hosted by Bill Burmester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94710
This therapy group for male survivors of sexual abuse, began in Spring of 2015 and accepts new members as space opens up. I meet on-going with anyone interested in being considered for membership and willing to join a waitlist. Please ...
Self Esteem for Teens
In this group we give an open space for teen girls to learn and discuss their issues while providing psychoeducation to build self esteem and healthy relationships.
Hosted by Kale Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Oakland, CA 94611
In this group we give an open space for teen girls to learn and discuss their issues while providing psychoeducation to build self esteem and healthy relationships.
Virtual Group for Women Experiencing Infertility
Another new year and still not pregnant? Are you struggling with anxiety and depression? Has it been a marathon towards trying to conceive or a journey filled with losses or both? Give yourself the gift of support in 2024 as ...
Hosted by Catherine Pfister
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Berkeley, CA 94710
Another new year and still not pregnant? Are you struggling with anxiety and depression? Has it been a marathon towards trying to conceive or a journey filled with losses or both? Give yourself the gift of support in 2024 as ...
Cultivating Calm: Group Therapy for Professionals
Do you: Feel stressed, spread too thin, and overwhelmed by trying to balance work, family, and daily pressures? Struggle to carve out time for yourself? Experience stress-related physical symptoms? Use caffeine, alcohol, or other substances to cope? Feel like you’re ...
Hosted by Brenna McGee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Albany, CA 94706
Do you: Feel stressed, spread too thin, and overwhelmed by trying to balance work, family, and daily pressures? Struggle to carve out time for yourself? Experience stress-related physical symptoms? Use caffeine, alcohol, or other substances to cope? Feel like you’re ...
See more therapy options for Alameda County
FAQs - About Group Therapy and Support Groups
How can I find a support group in Alameda County?
Search for nearby support groups by inputting your city, zip code, or the name of the group into the search bar. From there, you can filter to find a group that suits your needs, whether you are looking for support for a teenager, a group that focuses on a specific issue, such as depression, or a particular program type, such as one geared toward developing social skills. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
How does group therapy work?
Therapy groups are led by one or more therapists and serve to help people process their experiences and learn from others who understand their challenges firsthand. They can be based on a specific issue, such as addiction, grief, physical illnesses, parenting, and caregiving. They can involve a specific type of program or therapy, such as a social skills group or CBT group. They can also be specific to a particular population or community, such as teens or LGBTQ.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, also focus on a specific issue, but are typically led by members with lived experiences and are less structured than therapy groups. Most therapy groups will meet for a fixed length of time with a consistent group of members, while many support groups meet for an indefinite period of time with members coming and going.
What are the benefits of group therapy?
Support groups help connect people with shared challenges or physical and mental health conditions. In a group setting, participants can receive support and feedback from peers and can acquire new skills, strategies and perspectives by listening to one another. Discussing your experience with someone who also has a cancer diagnosis, or whose son also struggles with addiction, for example, can help you feel less alone, reduce distress, find empathy and connection, and learn practical or medical information that has helped others. Group therapy can also be a more affordable option than individual therapy and just as effective.
Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?
Support groups can be deeply valuable for both emotional support and/or treatment outcomes. It’s difficult to make a blanket statement on efficacy due to the many different types of support groups and conditions treated, but group therapy has been found to be just as effective as individual therapy in establishing long-term abstinence for conditions such as substance abuse, addiction and alcohol abuse.
How much does group therapy cost?
Group counseling is typically less expensive than individual counseling, with each session costing on average between $60 to $75. Meanwhile, individual therapy sessions can run anywhere from $100 to $200 and up, even after insurance. It is possible to find low-cost group therapy options and many therapists offer group sessions free of charge.
Does insurance cover group therapy?
As with individual therapy, many insurance companies do offer coverage for group therapy sessions. However, the coverage varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider. Individuals are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to verify coverage.
How long does group therapy last?
The length of a support group session is often one hour but can fall anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours. The amount of time that people remain in a support group varies based on their specific needs and goals and the type of therapy. Some individuals may seek a shorter-term group, such as a bereavement group, that may last between six and 20 weeks. Some may seek a longer-term group that lasts for a year or indefinitely.
What are the limitations of support groups?
Support groups have many benefits, but there are a few limitations as well. Support groups do not constitute formal therapeutic or medical treatment, and are not run by licensed mental health professionals, so some people may opt for group therapy or individual therapy instead. Additionally, support groups can depend on the other participants, so a disruptive individual has the potential to mar the group dynamic, and the anecdotal information shared may sometimes be unhelpful or inaccurate. Because it is a group setting, confidentiality can be more difficult to guard and participants receive less personalized attention than they would in an individual therapy session.